Pope Leo XIV visited the so-called 'dock of shame' in the Canary Islands on Thursday, where hundreds of migrants have been sleeping in squalid conditions after arriving by sea. The pontiff toured the facility, which has been criticized for its lack of basic amenities, and met with some of the migrants, many of whom are from sub-Saharan Africa.
A symbol of neglect
The dock, located on the island of Tenerife, has become a symbol of the European Union's struggle to manage migration from Africa. Migrants often spend weeks or months there in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, with limited access to food, water, and medical care. Pope Leo XIV called the situation 'a wound on the conscience of humanity' and urged governments to show greater compassion.
Pope's message
During his visit, the Pope listened to the stories of several migrants, including a young mother from Mali who fled violence with her two children. 'We cannot look away,' he said. 'Every person deserves dignity and hope.' He also praised local charities and church groups for their efforts to provide aid, but stressed that more systemic change is needed.
The visit comes as part of a broader trip to Spain, where the Pope also celebrated Mass at the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and met with King Felipe VI. The Canary Islands have seen a surge in migrant arrivals in recent years, with over 40,000 people reaching the archipelago in 2025 alone.
Reactions
Human rights groups welcomed the Pope's attention to the issue. 'This visit shines a light on a crisis that has been ignored for too long,' said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. However, some critics argued that the Pope's words must be followed by concrete action from the Vatican and Catholic institutions.
The Spanish government has announced plans to improve conditions at the dock, including new shelters and sanitation facilities. But advocates say much more is needed to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and conflict in Africa.
